Brereton Diaz joins Saints on four-year deal
The forward scored six goals whilst on loan at Sheffield United at the end of last season
Southampton have completed the signing of forward Ben Brereton Diaz from Villarreal.
The 25-year-old swapped Blackburn for Spain last summer and went on to spend the second half of last season on loan at Sheffield United, where he scored six goals in 14 top-flight appearances.
Brereton Diaz has now made a permanent move to the Premier League by joining Southampton for a reported initial outlay of £7million and signing a four-year deal with the promoted club.
"I'm absolutely buzzing," the Stoke-born Chile international said. "It's been smooth these past couple of days, and I'm happy to get everything sorted and signed.
"I'm really excited to meet everyone, it's great to be involved with this great club."
Saints boss Russell Martin said: "I'm really delighted to welcome Ben to the group. He's a versatile and intelligent footballer, capable of playing in a number of positions across the forward line.
"He is a strong, powerful runner and a confident finisher with a good goalscoring record, including last season's spell in the Premier League in which he adapted to the level extremely quickly."
Brereton Diaz became Southampton's second signing of the day having earlier announced the acquisition of Kuryu Matsuki from FC Tokyo. The 21-year-old midfielder will spend the season loan at fellow Sport Republic club Goztepe.